Third Heatwave Under Way

The third heatwave of 2026 is now under way across southern parts of the British Isles, and the outlook remains set fair for many regions. Temperatures will continue to edge upwards over the coming days and, eventually, even northern parts of the country will join in with the increasingly warm and settled weather.

Not just yet, though. We still have weakening weather fronts bringing plenty of cloud to many parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland this morning, together with further outbreaks of rain and drizzle, especially across western coasts and hills. Further spells of rain and drizzle can be expected through the day, although these will gradually become confined to northern Scotland as conditions slowly improve elsewhere. Across Northern Ireland, brighter weather should develop during the afternoon with some sunny spells.

Meanwhile, much of England, Wales and Ireland are enjoying a largely dry start to the day, although patches of low cloud are bringing the odd spot of drizzle in places. Most of this low cloud will soon lift and disperse, leaving a fine day with plenty of sunshine for many. Parts of northern England may continue to see variable amounts of cloud from time to time, perhaps bringing the odd very isolated shower.

There will once again be a range of temperatures across the British Isles. Highs will reach just 14°C or 15°C under the cloud across northern Scotland, while brighter parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect 19°C to 23°C. Further south, it will again be much warmer, with temperatures widely reaching 26°C to 29°C across England and Wales, while one or two locations in the southeast could climb a degree or two higher.

As we move into this evening and tonight northern parts of the British Isles will continue to see a lot of cloud with further outbreaks of rain and drizzle, particularly across western Scotland, while some low cloud and drizzle may brush eastern coasts for a time. Further south, however, it remains largely fine and dry. Looking ahead to tomorrow and we finally begin to see the brighter and warmer weather extending further north, with many parts of Scotland enjoying increasing amounts of sunshine as high pressure builds further north.

METEOROLOGIST : BARBER